No information provided.

Your doctor has told you which insulin to use, how much, and when and how often to inject it. Because each patient's diabetes is different, this schedule has been individualized for you.

Your usual dose of Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) may be affected by changes in your diet, activity, or work schedule. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions to allow for these changes. Other things that may affect your Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) dose are:

Illness

Illness, especially with nausea and vomiting, may cause your insulin requirements to change. Even if you are not eating, you will still require insulin. You and your doctor should establish a sick day plan for you to use in case of illness. When you are sick, test your blood glucose frequently. If instructed by your doctor, test your ketones and report the results to your doctor.

Pregnancy

Good control of diabetes is especially important for you and your unborn baby. Pregnancy may make managing your diabetes more difficult. If you are planning to have a baby, are pregnant, or are nursing a baby, talk to your doctor.

Medication

Insulin requirements may be increased if you are taking other drugs with blood-glucose-raising activity, such as oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, or thyroid replacement therapy. Insulin requirements may be reduced in the presence of drugs that lower blood glucose or affect how your body responds to insulin, such as oral antidiabetic agents, salicylates (for example, aspirin), sulfa antibiotics, alcohol, certain antidepressants and some kidney and blood pressure medicines. Your Health Care Professional may be aware of other medications that may affect your diabetes control. Therefore, always discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor.

Exercise

Exercise may lower your body's need for insulin during and for some time after the physical activity. Exercise may also speed up the effect of an insulin dose, especially if the exercise involves the area of injection site (for example, the leg should not be used for injection just prior to running). Discuss with your doctor how you should adjust your insulin regimen to accommodate exercise.

Travel

When traveling across more than 2 time zones, you should talk to your doctor concerning adjustments in your insulin schedule.

Identification

Human insulin from Eli Lilly and Company has the trademark Humulin. Your doctor has prescribed the type of insulin that he/she believes is best for you.

DO NOT USE ANY OTHER INSULIN EXCEPT ON YOUR DIRECTION.

Always check the carton and the bottle label for the name and letter designation of the insulin you receive from your pharmacy to make sure it is the same as prescribed by your doctor.

Always check the appearance of your bottle of Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) before withdrawing each dose. Before each injection the Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) bottle must be carefully shaken or rotated several times to completely mix the insulin. Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) suspension should look uniformly cloudy or milky after mixing. If not, repeat the above steps until contents are mixed.

Do not use Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) :

• if the insulin substance (the white material) remains at the bottom of the bottle after mixing or
• if there are clumps in the insulin after mixing, or
• if solid white particles stick to the bottom or wall of the bottle, giving a frosted appearance.

If you see anything unusual in the appearance of Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) suspension in your bottle or notice your insulin requirements changing, talk to your doctor.

Storage

Not in-use (unopened): Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) bottles not in-use should be stored in a refrigerator, but not in the freezer.

In-use (opened): The Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) bottle you are currently using can be kept unrefrigerated as long as it is kept as cool as possible [below 86°F

Do not use Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) after the expiration date stamped on the label or if it has been frozen.

Additional Information

Information about diabetes may be obtained from your diabetes educator.

Additional information about diabetes and Humulin can be obtained by calling The Lilly Answers Center at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or by visiting www.LillyDiabetes.com. Patient Information revised Month dd, yyyy

Vials manufactured by: Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis , IN 46285, USA for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Last reviewed on RxList: 7/2/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.